Dinah Sings, Previn Plays cover

Dinah Sings, Previn Plays

Dinah Shore · 1960

48 min · 15 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of jazz standards delivered with smooth vocals and elegant piano arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I've Got You Under My Skin — This track stands out for its intricate arrangement and Shore's ability to convey deep emotion through her phrasing, making it a definitive interpretation of this Cole Porter classic.
  • →
    My Funny Valentine — Shore brings an intimate warmth to this well-loved standard, showcasing her vocal agility and interpretive skills that breathe new life into the familiar lyrics.
  • →
    April in Paris — The delicate interplay between Shore's voice and Previn's piano creates a dreamy atmosphere, highlighting the romantic essence of this classic tune while illustrating Shore's jazz sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid vocal performances and elegant arrangements, making it a notable entry in Shore's transition to jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent arrangement of jazz standards, with Shore's vocals prominently layered over Previn's piano throughout.
  • Each track maintains a smooth tempo, with no abrupt changes in pace, creating a relaxed listening atmosphere.
  • The last three tracks include a gradual decrease in tempo, allowing the album to conclude on a softer note.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate evenings with a partner
  • nostalgic moments of reflection
  • warm background for conversation
  • soothing melodies for relaxation
  • timeless classics for sentimental moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party atmosphere
  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1960, 'Dinah Sings, Previn Plays' marked a significant collaboration for Dinah Shore, who was transitioning from her earlier career as a pop singer to embracing jazz. This album showcased her versatility and solidified her reputation as a serious recording artist, coming shortly after her successful television appearances that had broadened her audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • My Funny Valentine

    The verse subtly shifts from an idealized image to a more earnest portrayal of affection that embraces imperfections.

    This nuanced transition adds depth to the song, allowing listeners to feel both the tenderness and complexity of love.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Man I Love 3:19
  • 2 April in Paris 2:58
  • 3 That Old Feeling 3:13
  • 4 I've Got You Under My Skin 2:43
  • 5 Then I'll Be Tired of You 3:23
  • 6 Sleepy Time Gal 2:42
  • 7 My Melancholy Baby 3:42
  • 8 My Funny Valentine 3:36
  • 9 It Had to Be You 3:26
  • 10 I'll Be Seeing You 3:10
  • 11 If I Had You 3:22
  • 12 Like Someone in Love 3:00
  • 13 Stars Fell on Alabama 2:54
  • 14 While We're Young 3:08
  • 15 The Man I Love (alternate take) 4:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata